Mumbai: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU), marked a significant milestone in its collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) by laying the keel for the first Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), Y-16501, on May 27, 2025. This ceremony is part of a larger project involving the construction of 14 FPVs, valued at Rs 1070.47 crores, designed to bolster the ICG’s capabilities in safeguarding India’s coastal waters.
The keel-laying event took place at Ritchie Dry Dock (RDD) of MDL, with DIG Atul Parlikar, OIC-CGSD(Mbi), presiding over the ceremony. Also present were Mr. A Vinod, Executive Director (Shipbuilding- MDL), and senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard, ABS, IRS, and MDL.
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Project Overview and Specifications
The contract between MDL and Indian Coast Guard includes the design, construction, and delivery of 14 high-speed FPVs. The vessels are designed to meet stringent operational demands, including:
- Waterjet propulsion for high-speed performance.
- Speed exceeding 33 knots.
- Dual classification by ABS and IRS.
The FPVs are designed to operate in coastal waters for critical tasks such as patrolling, fisheries protection, and search and rescue missions in shallow and unchartered waters. Additionally, these vessels are versatile, with capabilities to transition into wartime roles, such as providing communication links, escorting coastal convoys, offering logistic support, medical evacuations, and supplementing the Indian Navy’s resources.
Timeline and Delivery
The first of the 14 FPVs, Y-16501, is scheduled for delivery in March 2026. The construction of these advanced vessels will enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s operational capabilities, ensuring better security and protection of India’s vast coastal and maritime borders.
Significance of the Keel Laying Ceremony
The keel laying ceremony symbolizes the formal commencement of the vessel’s construction, which is a critical step towards achieving the ICG’s modernisation goals. With the completion of these FPVs, the Indian Coast Guard will be better equipped to safeguard India’s maritime interests and ensure national security.
This project underscores MDL’s continued leadership in shipbuilding, especially in the domain of advanced naval and maritime defense technology, strengthening its position as a key player in India’s defense manufacturing sector.
Read Also: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Becomes India’s 21st Navaratna PSU
About MDL
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), formerly called Mazagon Dock Limited, is a company with shipyards situated in Mazagaon, Mumbai. It manufactures warships and submarines for the Indian Navy and offshore platforms and associated support vessels for offshore oil drilling. It also builds tankers, cargo bulk carriers, passenger ships and ferries
